Finland

Finland is an active member of NOG (Nordic Ozone Group) which coordinates research activities on ozone and ultra- violet radiation in the nordic countries.

(1) Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)

FMI is responsible for atmospheric UV research and field measurements in Finland. UV monitoring began during the 1930s and has been operating with modern instruments since the late 1980s. Presently, there are five Solar Light 501-A's which are monitoring the biologically relevant UV. Two Solar Light-500's and one Brewer Mark III are also in operation. Measurements of total O3 and SO2 are carried out at the Brewer site in Jokioinen. Direct, diffuse, and reflected components of solar radiation are measured at all of the locations, as well as routine weather observations. FMI measurements comprise a national network of information, while the Brewer operating at the Jokioinen Observatory submits data to the WOUDC, the EUVDB, and the COST-713 UV Index Database. All instruments are routinely calibrated, and the Brewer has participated in past intercomparison exercises. Please contact Tapani Koskela for more information on FMI's monitoring efforts.
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(2) FMI also operates what is known as the Arctic Research Centre in Sodankyla where three instruments currently run; an Solar Light 501, an NILU -UV6T, and a Brewer Mark II. Ozone and aerosol profiles are measured with sondes, lidars and microwave instruments at Sodankyla. Direct, diffuse and reflected components of solar radiation are measured, as well as routine weather observations. These three instruments contribute their data to the WMO's Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) program. The instruments are calibrated by the FMI monthly or yearly. Please contact Prof. Esko Kyro or Rigel Kivi for more information on the Artic Research Centre.
Click here to find out more about the Arctic Research Centre.

The aim of FMI's UV research is to get a better understanding of the factors affecting radiative transfer of UV radiation in Northern Europe. These studies are based on measurements and radiative transfer models. The activities are closely linked to European EC (Environmental and Climate Program 1996-1998 & Nordic Council of Ministers projects) and global activities (WMO Scientific Steering Committee on UV). The results will be further used by several universities and institutes in Finland to study the effects of UV radiation on forests, agriculture, human health and water ecosystems.

(3) (STUK) The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority

STUK maintains the national standard for UV irrandiance. The solar UV measurements by STUK are performed for calibration and testing purposes (mainly of SL 500 & SL 501) and for collecting clear weather data for reference. STUK has an optical laboratory and outdoor facilities for testing and characterizing of UV radiometers. Each solar UV monitoring broadband radiometer in Finland has been tested and calibrated in STUK prior to its installation. Presently, STUK is investigating improved methods for calibration of solar UV monitoring spectroradiometers. In 1995, STUK arranged the first global intercomparison of 26 erythemally weighted radiometers supported by the WMO. Besides the testing of the UV instruments, there has also been some studies carried out where the effects of spring time ozone depletions and reflection from the snow on UV exposure have been examined. Further work will be carried out to estimate the effect of past, present, and future UV climates on human health.
STUK currently operates a Solar Light 501 broadband radiometer, and a Bentham DM150 spectroradiometer. Both instruments are located in Helsinki. One instrument is calibrated every three months, while the other is annually. Both instruments have participated in intercomparison exercises. Please contact Lasse Ylianttila for more information.
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(4) University of Helsinki

The UV monitoring data of the University of Helsinki are used for 1) examining the effect of UV radiation on chemical processes in the atmosphere and for 2) studying the possibility of UV radiation causing disturbances on photosynthesis. The University currently operates a Bentham specrtroradiometer (DM 150 double monochromator), and 2 Solar Light SL 501A UVA pyranometers within Finland. All three are located in Tampere and have been calibrated. The Bentham has participated in intercomparison exercises. Please contact Michael Boy for more information.
Click here to find out more about the University's monitoring.

(4) Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

The measurements of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health are carried out during campaigns where the UV exposure of outdoor workers are estimated.

Contact Information:

FMI:

Tapani Koskela
Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
P.O. Box 503
Fl-00101
Helsinki
Finland
tel: +358-9-19294154
fax: +358-9-19293146
tapani.koskela@fmi.fi

Prof. Esko Kyro
Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
Artic Research Centre
Tahtelantie 62
FIN-99600
Sodankyla
Finland
tel: +358-16-619 612
fax: +358-16-619 623 esko.kyro@fmi.fi

Rigel Kivi
Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
Arctic Research Centre
Tahtelantie 62
FIN-99600
Sodankyla
Finland
tel: +358-16-619 612
fax: +358-16-619 623
rigel.kivi@fmi.fi

Lasse Ylianttila
STUK; Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority
P.O. Box 14
Fl-00881
Helsinki
Finland
tel: +358975988455 fax: +358975988450
lasse.ylianttila@stuk.fi

Michael Boy
University of Helsinki
P.O. Box 64
00014, Helsinki
Finland
tel: +358 9 19150571 fax: +358 9 19150717 michael.boy@helsinki.fi